A sensor system and method for detecting particles, in particular dirt particles or water droplets on a vehicle windscreen, comprising an optical sensor (3). The sensor (3) operates on the basis of light transit time and receives light signals (S) that are emitted by an emitter element and that are at least partially reflected, wherein the emitter element and the sensor (3) are located and aligned on the exterior of the vehicle, on or in the vicinity of a tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) of said vehicle (1) in such a way that particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) can be detected by means of the sensor (3) by sensing the part of light signals (S) emitted by the emitter element that is backscattered by the particles.
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1. A sensor system for detecting particles on a vehicle windscreen, comprising an optical sensor ( 3 ), wherein the sensor ( 3 ) is based on light transit time, receives light signals (S) that are emitted by an emitter element and that are at least partially reflected, wherein the emitter element and the sensor ( 3 ) are located and aligned on the exterior of the vehicle, on or in the vicinity of a tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) in such a way that particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) can be detected by means of the sensor ( 3 ) by sensing the part of light signals (S) emitted by the emitter element that is backscattered by the particles.
A vehicle sensor system detects particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid). It uses an optical sensor that measures light transit time. An emitter sends light signals which reflect off particles on the rear window back to the sensor. The emitter and sensor are positioned on the exterior of the vehicle, near the rear window, aligned to detect backscattered light from particles on the rear window. This backscattered light indicates the presence of particles.
2. The sensor system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor ( 3 ) is a sensor ( 3 ) for distance measurement.
The particle-detecting sensor system described previously, which uses an optical sensor based on light transit time to detect particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) by measuring backscattered light, specifically uses a distance measurement sensor. This sensor provides distance information in addition to particle detection.
3. The sensor system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor ( 3 ) is arranged to be integrated into a third brake light of the vehicle ( 1 ).
The particle-detecting sensor system described previously, which uses an optical sensor based on light transit time to detect particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) by measuring backscattered light, has the sensor integrated into the vehicle's third brake light. This allows for a compact design and optimal positioning for rear window monitoring.
4. The sensor system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor ( 3 ) and the emitter element are one component.
The particle-detecting sensor system described previously, which uses an optical sensor based on light transit time to detect particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) by measuring backscattered light, combines the emitter and the sensor into a single component. This simplifies the system's design and installation.
5. The sensor system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor ( 3 ) is used for monitoring the pivoting range of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ).
The particle-detecting sensor system described previously, which uses an optical sensor based on light transit time to detect particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) by measuring backscattered light, also monitors the range of motion of the rear window when it is opened or closed. This allows the system to detect potential obstructions in the path of the rear window.
6. The sensor system according to claim 5 , wherein a pivoting movement of the electrically operated tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) can be stopped automatically during the detection of an obstacle by the sensor ( 3 ).
The sensor system that detects particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) using backscattered light and also monitors the pivoting range of the tailgate, automatically stops the electrically operated tailgate if an obstacle is detected during opening or closing. This prevents collisions between the tailgate and surrounding objects.
7. The sensor system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor ( 3 ) is used for sensing the distance to an obstacle.
The particle-detecting sensor system described previously, which uses an optical sensor based on light transit time to detect particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) by measuring backscattered light, is used to sense the distance to an obstacle behind the vehicle. This distance information can be used for parking assistance or collision avoidance.
8. The sensor system according to claim 1 , wherein said particles are dirt particles or water droplets.
The particle-detecting sensor system described previously, which uses an optical sensor based on light transit time to detect particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) by measuring backscattered light, is designed to detect dirt particles or water droplets on the rear window.
9. The sensor system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor ( 3 ) is used for monitoring the pivoting range of an electrically operated tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ).
The particle-detecting sensor system described previously, which uses an optical sensor based on light transit time to detect particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) by measuring backscattered light, also monitors the range of motion of an electrically operated rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid).
10. The sensor system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor ( 3 ) be is used for sensing the distance to an obstacle when parking the vehicle ( 1 ).
The particle-detecting sensor system described previously, which uses an optical sensor based on light transit time to detect particles on the rear window (tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid) by measuring backscattered light, is used for sensing the distance to an obstacle when the vehicle is being parked. This allows for parking assistance.
11. A method for operating an optical sensor for detecting particles and for sensing the surroundings of a vehicle, wherein the optical sensor ( 3 ) is based on light transit time, receives light signals (S) that are emitted by an emitter element and that are at least partially reflected, wherein the emitter element and the sensor ( 3 ) are located and aligned on the exterior of the vehicle, on or in the vicinity of a tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) in such a way that particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) can be detected by means of the sensor ( 3 ) by sensing the part of light signals (S) emitted by the emitter element that is backscattered by the particles, said method: detecting particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) and in addition at least one of: monitoring the pivoting range of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) with regard to an obstacle, and, for avoiding a collision of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) with the obstacle, automatically limiting the pivoting range of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ) or automatically stopping the pivoting movement during opening or during closing of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ), if the obstacle is detected in the pivoting range of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid ( 2 ); and monitoring the region behind the vehicle ( 1 ) for an obstacle by means of the sensor ( 3 ), wherein the distance to the obstacle is determined when parking the vehicle ( 1 ).
A method for operating an optical sensor to detect particles and sense the surroundings of a vehicle. The sensor, based on light transit time, emits light signals that reflect and are received. The emitter and sensor are near the rear window (tailgate/hatchback/trunk lid), detecting particles on it via backscattered light. The method involves detecting particles on the rear window, AND monitoring the rear window's pivoting range to avoid collisions by limiting or stopping its movement if obstacles are detected, AND monitoring the area behind the vehicle to determine the distance to obstacles when parking.
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the optical sensor is operated in dependence on the drive situation and/or the driver behavior.
The method for operating an optical sensor to detect particles and sense the surroundings of a vehicle, which involves detecting particles on the rear window, monitoring the rear window's pivoting range, and monitoring the area behind the vehicle for parking assistance, operates the optical sensor depending on driving conditions (e.g., speed, rain) and/or driver behavior (e.g., frequent braking).
13. The method according to claim 11 , wherein exceeding a certain threshold of the backscattered part of the light signals (S) emitted by the emitter element sensed by the sensor ( 3 ) is interpreted as detection of particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunklid ( 2 ).
The method for operating an optical sensor to detect particles and sense the surroundings of a vehicle, which involves detecting particles on the rear window, monitoring the rear window's pivoting range, and monitoring the area behind the vehicle for parking assistance, interprets exceeding a threshold of backscattered light sensed by the sensor as detection of particles on the tailgate, hatchback, or trunk lid. This threshold indicates the presence of a sufficient amount of dirt or water.
14. The method according to claim 13 , further comprising adjusting the detection threshold.
The method that uses an optical sensor to detect particles by measuring backscattered light and interpreting exceeding a threshold as particle detection, includes adjusting the detection threshold. This allows the system to be calibrated for different environmental conditions and sensor sensitivities.
15. The method according to claim 13 , wherein adjusting the detection threshold results in adjustment of an automatic actuation of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid windscreen wiper wiping intervals, and washing functions.
The method that uses an optical sensor to detect particles by measuring backscattered light and interpreting exceeding a threshold as particle detection, and includes adjusting the detection threshold, further adjusts the automatic activation of the rear window wiper's wiping intervals and washing functions. Higher particle detection leads to more frequent wiping and washing.
16. The method according to claim 15 , wherein further parameters are evaluated for at least one of the automatic actuation of the rear windscreen wiper, the adjustment of washing intervals, and triggering of washing functions.
The method that uses an optical sensor to detect particles, adjusts a detection threshold, and controls rear wiper/washer, further evaluates other parameters to control the automatic actuation of the rear windscreen wiper, the adjustment of washing intervals, and triggering of washing functions. These additional parameters may include vehicle speed, ambient light levels, or driver input.
17. The method according to claim 11 , wherein said particles are dirt particles or water droplets.
The method for operating an optical sensor to detect particles and sense the surroundings of a vehicle, which involves detecting particles on the rear window, monitoring the rear window's pivoting range, and monitoring the area behind the vehicle for parking assistance, is specifically designed to detect dirt particles or water droplets on the rear window.
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September 23, 2008
July 23, 2013
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